Immunotherapy Cost In India

Immunotherapy has emerged as one of the best methods for treating cancer patients who desire options other than chemotherapy and radiation. It is being increasingly preferred in India for its capability to kill cancer cells with fewer side effects than conventional treatments. However, figuring out the costs of immunotherapy proves a real problem for the patients and their family. 

Many patients often do not know how to handle costs, insurance or cost estimate in the long run. And this lack of clear information can generate stress during a challenging period to the extent that may influence the treatment choice and prognosis.

In this blog we will give you an overview of how much immunotherapy costs in India, what influences the price tag and what can be done to cut the costs. Here, we strive to give you clear overviews of various matters ranging from different treatment options to financial support regarding your treatment process. So, let’s get started!

Total cost of immunotherapy as per different locations 

The cost of immunotherapy in India varies significantly depending on the city and type of therapy chosen. Here’s a general breakdown by region:

• Delhi and North India: Immunotherapy costs here generally range from INR 4,10,000 to INR 6,70,000. Prices vary based on specific treatment types, such as monoclonal antibodies or checkpoint inhibitors​ (Source HexaHealth, MediGence ).

• Mumbai and West India: Treatment costs are comparable, ranging from approximately INR 3,80,000 to INR 6,30,000, depending on the hospital and therapy type​ ​ (Source ArogyaJivan).

• Bangalore and South India: Costs in South India often range from INR 4,00,000 to INR 6,50,000, covering therapies like interferons, interleukins, and cancer vaccines​
  ​ (Source Cancer Rounds).

• Eastern India: Some regions in East India offer lower rates, with treatment costs potentially starting around INR 3,50,000.

These prices are indicative of private care facilities, and costs in public hospitals may be lower. For a more tailored estimate based on your treatment needs and preferred location, consulting directly with specific facilities is recommended.

Can immunotherapy cure any cancer?

Immunotherapy, while transformative for many types of cancer, is not considered a universal cure for all cancers. This approach helps the immune system identify and attack cancer cells, making it highly effective for specific types like melanoma, certain lung cancers, bladder cancer, and some blood cancers. However, the effectiveness of immunotherapy varies based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient factors.

Here are some key points about the capabilities and limitations of immunotherapy:

• Types of Cancers Treated: Immunotherapy has shown promising results in cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. For these types, immunotherapy can sometimes lead to long-term remission.

• Mechanisms of Action: Different forms of immunotherapy work in distinct ways—some block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer, while others introduce modified immune cells that specifically target cancer cells. Common types include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cytokines, each with applications to specific cancers.

• Not Effective for All Cancers: Unfortunately, immunotherapy is not universally effective. Cancers with few identifiable markers, like pancreatic and prostate cancers, may not respond as well because these cancers don’t present the same clear targets for immune cells to recognize and attack.

• Potential for Long-Term Remission: For certain patients and cancer types, immunotherapy can lead to long-term remission, which can feel like a cure. However, there is still a chance of recurrence, and some patients experience only partial or temporary relief.

• Research and Advancements: Ongoing research is exploring how to expand immunotherapy’s effectiveness, including combination therapies and more personalized immunotherapy approaches, but it may take time to make these advances widely available.

While immunotherapy has incredible potential, it remains a part of a larger set of cancer treatments, and researchers continue to investigate how to make it more universally effective. For many cancers, combining immunotherapy with other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery is still necessary to maximize effectiveness.

How can patients cope with the high costs of immunotherapy?

Coping with the high costs of immunotherapy can be challenging, but several strategies can help make this life-saving treatment more accessible. Here are some options patients can explore:

• Insurance Coverage

Many health insurance policies now cover immunotherapy for certain types of cancer. However, coverage details vary, so it’s important to check specific policy terms and conditions. Patients can work with their insurance provider or an insurance navigator to understand eligibility and submit the necessary documentation.

• Government Assistance Programs

In India, some state and national government programs may provide financial aid for cancer treatments, including immunotherapy. Schemes like the Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) offer support for eligible families, potentially covering high-cost treatments.

• Patient Assistance Programs

Pharmaceutical companies often offer assistance programs to make their medications more affordable for patients who cannot afford the full cost. These programs may provide free or discounted medications based on financial need, diagnosis, and other criteria.

• Crowdfunding and Community Support

Platforms like Ketto, Milaap, and GoFundMe allow patients to raise funds from the community to cover their treatment costs. This can help patients garner support from friends, family, and even strangers who want to contribute to their care.

• NGOs and Charities

Some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities specifically focus on helping cancer patients access treatment. These organizations may offer financial aid or help cover specific expenses related to immunotherapy, like medications and hospitalization.

• Hospital Payment Plans

Some hospitals offer payment plans that allow patients to pay for treatment in installments instead of one lump sum. This can ease the financial burden by spreading out the cost over a longer period.

• Clinical Trials

Participating in clinical trials may provide access to cutting-edge immunotherapies at reduced or no cost. Clinical trials are often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or research institutions and can cover the costs associated with experimental treatments. Patients should discuss with their doctors to see if there are any ongoing trials for which they qualify.

Exploring these options can significantly alleviate the financial strain of immunotherapy, making treatment more feasible. Additionally, consulting with a social worker or financial counselor specializing in medical cases can provide guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

Dr. Pooja: Driven to Make Cancer Care Accessible and Affordable

Meet Dr. Pooja Babbar, an internationally accredited oncologist with over a decade of experience in cancer management who remains a major advocate for not only patient care but also searching for more ways to ease the financial stress of treatment. She knows the struggles that most patients go through especially those with severe illnesses such as breast cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer, and she goes a notch higher to ensure patients do not break banks when receiving treatment.

She assures affordability by working with the latest global cancer protocols and individualised treatments that are as effective but at a lower cost. She stays updated with the established protocols so that the patient gets the best and less expensive, affordable care.

She goes the extra mile to ensure that each of her patients remains hopeful and they do not dig deeper into their pockets to get well.